Impacts of Von Restorff Effect on Memory
Type of Presentation
Poster Session
Location
University Library
Start Date
4-10-2026 11:30 AM
End Date
4-10-2026 12:45 PM
Abstract
The von Restorff effect was originally discovered in 1933 by Hedwig von Restorff, a German scientist. The von Restorff effect states that items and information that is perceptually distinct is more likely to be encoded and retrieved than information that blends into its surroundings (Manandhar, 2024). This project explores font color as a visual mechanism capable of producing such distinctness, focusing on how color can influence memory retention and recall. Prior studies show research that suggests that attention, color salience, and the encoding processes within the brain contribute to stronger memory traces for items that stand out visually, whereas homogenous stimuli are less likely to receive attention and prioritized cognitive processing (Elhalal, 2014). Building on this research, this project aims to examine research on distinctive traits, like color, size, semantic, etc., as well as their influence on attention, encoding processes, and memory recall. We know based on previous research that distinct traits can create an isolation effect in a word-recall task, but there are some gaps in data caused by overreliance on weird populations, focus on single-item isolation, limited testing of combined distinct traits, and the short-term memory retention. In essence, this project will compile and compare research on distinctive traits and memory to identify the gaps that have yet to be addressed. It has been shown that distinct traits have proven to most likely remembered, but no studies have addressed the long-term memory retention. Understanding these mechanisms can help learn how visual distinctiveness can have practical implications. For example, intentional use of color can help educators guide students toward understanding key concepts in their learning plans as well as support cognitive organization. In marketing or media contexts, the von Restorff effect may impact the memorability of the media design.
Faculty / Staff Sponsor
Figen Karadogan
Impacts of Von Restorff Effect on Memory
University Library
The von Restorff effect was originally discovered in 1933 by Hedwig von Restorff, a German scientist. The von Restorff effect states that items and information that is perceptually distinct is more likely to be encoded and retrieved than information that blends into its surroundings (Manandhar, 2024). This project explores font color as a visual mechanism capable of producing such distinctness, focusing on how color can influence memory retention and recall. Prior studies show research that suggests that attention, color salience, and the encoding processes within the brain contribute to stronger memory traces for items that stand out visually, whereas homogenous stimuli are less likely to receive attention and prioritized cognitive processing (Elhalal, 2014). Building on this research, this project aims to examine research on distinctive traits, like color, size, semantic, etc., as well as their influence on attention, encoding processes, and memory recall. We know based on previous research that distinct traits can create an isolation effect in a word-recall task, but there are some gaps in data caused by overreliance on weird populations, focus on single-item isolation, limited testing of combined distinct traits, and the short-term memory retention. In essence, this project will compile and compare research on distinctive traits and memory to identify the gaps that have yet to be addressed. It has been shown that distinct traits have proven to most likely remembered, but no studies have addressed the long-term memory retention. Understanding these mechanisms can help learn how visual distinctiveness can have practical implications. For example, intentional use of color can help educators guide students toward understanding key concepts in their learning plans as well as support cognitive organization. In marketing or media contexts, the von Restorff effect may impact the memorability of the media design.